FRUIT COMMITTEE S REPORT. 5 



the Ilovey ; but it does not at present suflSciently indicate superiority to 

 older kinds to require a more extended description than has been given 

 in previous reports. It should here be stated, that, during the absence 

 of Col. Wilder in Europe, by some misunderstanding the Nos. 13 and 

 60 were interchanged in our report of last season. The description of 

 Ko. 13, as given in the report, belongs to N'o. 60,* and vice versa. The 

 varieties are quite distinct, and are entirely separate in the grounds of 

 Col. Wilder. 



Xo. 13 was the chief object of interest, and fully maintained the 

 reputation of two previous years. As there are many indications that 

 La Constante is one of its parents (though there are also strong points 

 of difference), we may with propriety compare it with this variety. 

 In health and strength of foliage, tbe beds of 'No. 13 were in marked 

 contrast. In quantity of fruit, there was the same contrast, the amount 

 on La Constante being small, as is usual; while there was a great 

 profusion on all the beds of No. 13 growjng side by side. The foliage 

 seemed to be just sufficient to secure the imiform maturity of all the 

 berries. A marked jieculiarity in the quality of No. 13 is a distinct 

 Haiitbois flavor, not too strong to be objectionable to any taste, and 

 which will be most agreeable to those who are fond of this flavor. 

 As there is not a trace of this flavor either in La Constante, Ilovey, 

 Triomphe, and the varieties which have surrounded it and from which 

 it sprang, it is singular that this aroma, so noticeable both in taste and 

 fragrance, should be found in the offspring. This Seedling has only 

 been fruited on the grounds of the originator, and it is not safe to 

 give a positive opinion as to its-adaptedness to the various soils and 

 climates of our country. And yet we may say that we have seen it for 

 three successive years in various localities under Col. Wilder, and can- 

 not doubt that it is hardy, vigorous, highly productive; of largest size, 

 superior in quality, beautiful in appearance, firm enough for market 

 purposes; and, should it sustain the character with other cultivators 

 which is indicated on the estate of the originator, it will prove to be the 

 most valuable of the many contributions which Mr. Wilder has made to 

 horticulture, and will v,'orthily bear his name. With his permission, Ave 

 are authorized to, and do hereby, name his strawberrj^ seedling, No. 13, 

 " The President Wilder." 



Cherries. — This fruit continues to be scarce, and it is doubtful if it 

 will again become abundant in our market. The cost of picking is a 



* The Report for 1867 should read as follows : " The favorable opinion entertained last year of 

 the seedling Strawberry of Hon M. P. Wilder — a cross between La Constante and Hovey's 

 Seedling, and now designated as No. 13 — is confirmed this season. The fruit is of the largest size, 

 of good flavor, in appearance a medium between its parer ts, not so polished or glazed, and with 

 seeds more embedded than in La Constante. An examination of the bed gave indications of vigor 

 and decided productiveness." 



